The Mike Alstott Family Foundation has awarded nearly $25,000 to four non-profit organizations located in the greater West Central Florida Region through its inaugural community grant program.
The grant program, which began accepting nomination on July 31, concluded earlier this week after the Foundation's Facebook Fans ultimately decided the winners. The Facebook Fans were able to choose from 10 finalists and were able to cast a daily vote on where they wanted to see the grants disbursed.
"This experience has exceeded all of our expectations from a standpoint of not only how many wonderful things are being done in our community but also how caring and involved our Facebook community is in regards to the non-profits and their charitable work. My family and our Foundation are honored to be able to award these grants knowing that the community is as passionate as we are in supporting others." said Mike Alstott, the Foundation's Founder and President.
The Winning Organizations are:
Healing Heroes Network, Inc. (1713 votes) is committed to healing America's Heroes by providing financial assistance for quality care to military personnel injured in the line of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan since 9/11/01.
Saddle Up Riding Club, Inc. (1333 votes) works to improve and enrich the quality of life of disabled children, adults and veterans through various equine-related activities, therapies and direct interaction with horses while at the same time offering a wide range of equine facilitated programs and activities to the general public.
The Ryan Nece Foundation (708 votes) operates several annual programs that focus primarily on the promotion of volunteerism, health and wellness, and character development among young people. At the heart of the Ryan Nece Foundation lies the idea of the Power of Giving, the thought that anyone can give of their time, treasures, or talents to make the community a better place.
Wheelchairs 4 Kids (275 votes) is dedicated to improving the lives of children with physical disabilities by providing wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications as well as other assistive and therapeutic devices.
The Mike Alstott Family Foundation was formed to allow the Alstotts to assist others in uplifting the minds, hearts and spirits of families and children on their way to realizing their full potential through various events, assistance programs, and celebrations.
